Is Aleix Vidal non-transferable?

Although his Barcelona career is seemingly already over, Aleix Vidal's future remains far from clear with the club worrying that he may be untransferable. Unable to break into Luis Enrique's matchday squad in spite of the summer departure of Dani Alves and the Blaugrana's recent injury-crisis in defence, it appears almost certain that the ex-Sevilla star will be made available for transfer in January. Barçelona are already preparing for his inevitable departure, with technical secretary Robert Fernandez compiling a list of long-term solutions such Valencia's Joao Cancelo, as well as cheaper short-term alternatives, like Stephan Lichtsteiner of Juventus. Whatever happens, there seems to be no way back for Vidal at the Camp Nou, although it is doubtful the LaLiga giants will be able to achieve their aim of funding the addition of a new right-back with the 27-year-old's sale. After bringing him in for a fee of around 20 million euros, the Valls-born defender's stock has fallen to such a degree that Barcelona would be lucky to recoup the amortisation value of 12 million euros on his head.

The danger is that while all parties want a deal to be tied up in January, Barcelona risk a situation in which they either accept less than they want for the player, or he doesn't leave at all until the summer. And that is a scenario no-one wants.Despite only signing for the Blaugrana last year, the former Sevilla man has quickly fallen out of favour with coach Luis Enrique; appearing in none of the Camp Nou outfit's last six matches. Such a situation is far from ideal for the player, and with this in mind, Vidal's agent, Rodri held clear-the-air talks with Fernandez during the international break. In Andorra to run the rule over the Switzerland national team, the Barcelona official is thought to have made it clear that he would like the full-back to remain at the Camp Nou as cover for first-choice Sergi Roberto. As such a scenario may not be acceptable to Vidal, Fernandez and his staff will also scout out potential targets for the problem right-back position should the 27-year-old decide to leave in the January window.